Bhubaneswar-In a major step towards revamping primary education in Odisha, the state government has announced the establishment of 835 model primary schools under the first phase of the Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Prathamik Vidyalaya scheme. The initiative is designed to set a new benchmark in foundational learning across rural and semi-urban regions of the state, with each school functioning as a feeder to nearby high schools.
Each model school will receive an investment of Rs 7 crore, with the aim of providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern teaching practices. Eligible schools will include those having over 100 enrolled students, running classes from pre-primary (Shishu Vatika) up to Class 8, and situated on a land area of at least two acres. The focus is on upgrading existing institutions that meet these criteria into centers of excellence in education.
During a high-level review meeting, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stressed the importance of establishing at least one such school in every gram panchayat headquarters, considering the geographical spread of the region. He also highlighted the need to ensure access to education for children in remote and tribal areas by providing free transport facilities to and from schools.
To ensure these schools have room to grow, the Chief Minister directed that only those schools with sufficient land be selected, allowing for future expansion into high schools. He also urged the education department to adopt advanced teaching tools, technology-driven learning methods, and improved recruitment practices to uplift educational outcomes.
The government’s plan goes beyond just classrooms. Emphasis will be laid on nurturing basic literacy and numeracy among students by the end of Class 3, in line with the National Education Policy 2020. The schools will also promote skill-based learning, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, and vocational training to help students develop practical and life-ready competencies.
This model school initiative is envisioned as a holistic platform that not only imparts knowledge but also cultivates creativity, critical thinking, and community involvement. By encouraging participation from parents, alumni, and local stakeholders, the programme aims to build schools that are not just institutions of learning, but also pillars of community progress.
With this ambitious launch, Odisha is setting the stage for a future where every child, regardless of their location, has access to quality education that empowers them to dream bigger and achieve more.
